MSC Cruises had planned to inaugurate its $200m private island development to coincide with the launch of MSC Seaside's ex-Miami itineraries. Following MSC Seaside's naming at PortMiami on December 21, 2017, the ship was scheduled to sail the same day for Ocean Cay in the Bahamas and overnight there for a grand opening the following day.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, commented: 'As we sat out to finalise construction plans for this one-of-a-kind destination, we realised that to ensure the level of quality and attention to details in both infrastructure and services that our guests have rightlfully come to expect from MSC Cruises, it was only appropriate to allot a longer time frame.'
The island lies 20 miles south of Bimini and 65 miles east of Miami. A comprehensive landscaping plan will see more than 80 indigenous Caribbean flora planted across the island. The project foresees a Bahamian village, numerous restaurants and bars offering local specialities, a variety of shops and an arrival centre plus exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary, with private bungalows and massage huts for MSC Yacht Club guests.
Works on the island have started as originally planned, the cruise line reported. Working in collaboration with the Bahamian Government and ecologists, MSC Cruises is developing the cay from an industrial site, into a flourishing marine reserve that will harmoniously co-exist with the local ecosystem.
The official ground breaking ceremony for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will take place on October 6, 2016 in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, The Right Honourable Perry G. Christie, and other government dignitaries.
In the meantime calls by MSC Seaside and MSC Divina to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be substituted with a stop at Nassau. Further details will be announced later.
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